Sandy Hook School Opening to Public, 4 Years After Shooting

The public on Friday got its first glimpse of the new Sandy Hook Elementary School built to replace the building where 20 first-graders and six educators were massacred in December 2012. Roseanne Colletti reports. (Published Friday, July 29, 2016)

The public on Friday got its first glimpse of the new Sandy Hook Elementary School built to replace the building where 20 first-graders and six educators were massacred in December 2012.

"I think it's emotional, always want to remember those who lost their lives. It is a beautiful tribute to what city was it in the future and that's just a warm smart environment for kids," Dr. Kathy Gombos, principal of Sandy Hook said.

The old Sandy Hook Elementary School was torn down in 2013 and the new $50 million, 86,000-square-foot school was built on the same property but not in the old footprint, and is scheduled to open next month.

(Dr. Joseph Erardi /Superintendent) 40:55

"The intent of this building is to offer a warm and comfortable environment for students and boy they hit a grand slam with that but I can also share with you the security measures in this building are second to none"

"The intent of this building is to offer a warm and comfortable environment for students and boy they hit a grandslam with that, but I can also share with you the security measures in this building are second to none," Supt. Dr. Joseph Erardi said.

The building has a gated entrance, cameras and card readers and locks at entrances.

There was significant community input as town leaders worked to honor the lives of the students and adults killed and build a safe and environmentally friendly educational facility to serve future generations of students.

Erardi said the district hopes that allowing everyone a look at the school this week will give students a "quiet, respectful, and appropriate opening as teachers and students return to the new school year" on Aug. 29.